ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) on Friday announced that it was launching three new projects with the technological assistance of South Korea to enhance production of various crops.

The announcement came from the PARC following the fifth meeting of the Project Planning and Steering Committee of Korea Programme on International Agriculture (KOPIA)-Pakistan at the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), says a press release.

The new initiatives include breed improvement through the implementation of efficient artificial insemination services, the dissemination of improved technology for fodder production and the enhancement of chilli export technologies through the production of high quality chillies.

The steering committee approved the new innovative projects, which would now be sent to the Rural Development Authority of Korea for approval. In the meeting, Kopia-Pakistan Centre Director Dr Cho Gyoungrae made a comprehensive presentation, highlighting current achievements and the future roadmap of the Centre.

He announced that the Pakistan-Korea Joint Programme on Certified Seed Potato Production System was set to yield an impressive

production of 160,000 tons of certified seed potato, and expressed a firm commitment to extend cooperation in the livestock sector, ensuring its continued growth and development.

These initiatives, focusing on the development of technologies for seed potato, chillies and fodder crop production, are being implemented through the joint efforts of the PARC and KOPIA.

The successful outcome of these projects was anticipated to significantly enhance both the quantity and quality of these crops.

Speaking on the occasion, Consulor of South Korean Embassy in Islamabad Hwang Myeng Hwan emphasised the immense importance of Pakistan as a valued partner in the field of agriculture.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Korean government to extend its unwavering support through the KOPIA-Pakistan Center.

Mr Hwan expressed his admiration for the progress achieved in the ongoing projects and conveyed that June 2023 marked a significant milestone as Korea celebrated 40 years of cooperation with Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, July 8th, 2023